St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School

“Be Infinitely You”

At a Glance

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School is an independent parochial school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Northwest Washington, DC. Located on MacArthur Boulevard in Ward 3, the school combines Episcopal values with a student-centered educational approach, emphasizing literacy development and inclusive community building. As an independent day school affiliated with the Episcopal tradition, St. Patrick's welcomes families seeking a faith-based education grounded in the belief that every child is valued. The PK-8 configuration means families can potentially keep their children in one school community from early childhood through middle school graduation.

What Parents Should Know

As an independent parochial school, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School operates outside the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment will need to apply directly through the school's admissions process, which typically involves submitting an application, scheduling a visit, and going through an interview process. The application timeline for independent schools often runs earlier than public school deadlines, so parents should reach out well in advance of their desired enrollment year.

The PK-8 grade configuration offers both advantages and considerations for DC families. Students can remain in the same school community from their earliest school years through eighth grade, building long-term relationships and avoiding the often-stressful elementary-to-middle school transition. However, families will need to plan for a high school transition after eighth grade, which is different from schools that extend through twelfth grade or the K-5 elementary model common in DCPS.

The Ward 3 location on MacArthur Boulevard places the school in upper Northwest DC, an area that may require consideration of commute times and transportation options depending on where your family lives. Independent schools typically do not provide the neighborhood school boundaries or busing that some DC public schools offer, so families should think through their daily logistics.

Tuition is a significant factor for any independent school. As with most private and parochial schools in DC, families should expect tuition costs and should inquire directly about current rates, payment plans, and financial aid availability. Many independent schools, including Episcopal schools, offer need-based financial assistance, but the application process and availability varies by institution.

Programs and Approach

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School roots its education in Episcopal tradition, which typically emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic development, service to others, and moral education. The school describes itself as student-centered, suggesting an approach that adapts to individual learning needs and styles rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Literacy receives particular emphasis in the school's mission, indicating that reading, writing, and communication skills form a core part of the educational program across grade levels.

The school's commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects broader trends in independent school education and Episcopal values of welcoming all people. Families considering the school should inquire about how these values translate into practice in curriculum, school culture, and community life.

As an Episcopal day school, the institution likely incorporates chapel services, religious education, and Christian values into school life while maintaining the more inclusive approach typical of Episcopal institutions compared to some other denominational schools. Families from various faith backgrounds often find Episcopal schools accessible, though parents should understand the role faith and religious observance play in daily school life.

Visiting and Contact

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School is located at 4590 Macarthur Boulevard NW in upper Northwest Washington. Prospective families should visit https://www.stpatsdc.org for information about scheduling tours, learning about the admissions timeline, and accessing current details about programs and tuition. The school can be reached by phone at (202) 650-5324.